The Green Lake Bluegrass Band will open the Summer Music in the Park Series on July 11 at 7 p.m. The series is made possible with a gift from the Staples Host Lions Club. Free concerts in the park are returning to Staples for another season beginning July 11 through Aug. 22.

The concerts will be Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Northern Pacific (NP) Park located at 625 6th St. NE. Turn north on 6th Street at the junction of Highways 10 and 210 and go six blocks. In case of rain, the concerts will be moved to Centennial Auditorium.

The first concert is Sunday, July 11, featuring the Green Lake Bluegrass Band.

The Green Lake Bluegrass Band got its start playing at the local Lutheran Bible Camp about 15 years ago where some of the members were on the staff. It started with three members and since has grown to five.

As the band has grown, the musical styles have grown as well. Now, in addition to the bluegrass tunes, the band also dabbles in gospel, folk and Irish music. Most of their songs are familiar and audiences often enjoy singing along with the boys.

Band members are Dave Eliason, banjo, guitar and vocals; Bill Gossman, harmonica, jaw harp, Irish whistle and vocals; Brian Jensen, bass and vocals; Jerry Saetveit, fiddle, Irish whistle and vocals; and Bob Whitney, guitar, fiddle and vocals.

The Music in the Park Series is funded by the Staples Host Lions Club. The series is organized by the Staples Motley Area Arts Council with the assistance of the Staples Motley Public Schools and the City of Staples